Dobson Offers Insight on 2008 Republican Hopefuls

US News ^ | 3-28-07 | Dan Gilgoff

[dogbyte12]

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson appeared to throw cold water on a possible presidential bid by former Sen. Fred Thompson while praising former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who is also weighing a presidential run, in a phone interview Tuesday.

Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for," Dobson said of Thompson. "[But] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression," Dobson added, saying that such an impression would make it difficult for Thompson to connect with the Republican Party's conservative Christian base and win the GOP nomination.

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Thompson, took issue with Dobson's characterization of the former Tennessee senator. "Thompson is indeed a Christian," he said. "He was baptized into the Church of Christ."

In a follow-up phone conversation, Focus on the Family spokesman Gary Schneeberger stood by Dobson's claim. He said that, while Dobson didn't believe Thompson to be a member of a non-Christian faith, Dobson nevertheless "has never known Thompson to be a committed Christian—someone who talks openly about his faith."

[skaterboy]

So Fred aint no christan but the guy who cheated on his wife and dumped another while she had cancer is?....when did we become a slave to these idiots

[highlander_UW]

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Thompson, took issue with Dobson's characterization of the former Tennessee senator. "Thompson is indeed a Christian," he said. "He was baptized into the Church of Christ."

I don't know if Thompson is a Christian or not, but if he is, it isn't because he was baptized...and by making such a statement Corallo provides an indication that he himself is probably not a Christian.

[TommyDale]

Perhaps Dr. Dobson should respect Fred Thompson's decision to keep his faith personal, between him and God.

[dogbyte12]

I agree. It's a joke. I am not a fan of Dobson because of things like this.

He has earthly political goals. Newt has kissed his ring, Thompson hasn't so Newt gets the good christian certification.

I don't think James Dobson should be our kingmaker.

[Long Island Pete]

[But] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression," Dobson added, saying that such an impression would make it difficult for Thompson to connect with the Republican Party's conservative Christian base and win the GOP nomination.

I think Mr. Dobson should quit while he is behind.

[HitmanLV]

Conservatives really need to shed this 'terminally fuddy duddy' image we have cultivated for ourselves.

[M203M4]

Newt has kissed his ring, Thompson hasn't so Newt gets the good Christian certification.

Bingo.

[GOP_Party_Animal]

Note to Dobson: Your books and commentary on a Christian life are useful and well done. However, the media is using your comments to drive wedges between conservatives or make religious conservatives seem far out of the mainstream. Stop giving interviews regarding politics. It's not helping.

[ansel12]

"when did we become a slave to these idiots"



Those idiots are the reason conservatism exists.

[Antoninus]

when did we become a slave to these idiots.

I see no slaves around here. It's important to some folks that a candidate be a committed Christian. I have no problem with that point of view. Indeed, knowing a candidate is a solid Christian--and acts accordingly--gives me a great deal of comfort when voting for someone.

Meanwhile, knowing a candidate was a "committed atheist" would cross them off my list immediately and forever.

[babygene]

"I don't know if Thompson is a Christian or not, but if he is, it isn't because he was baptized...and by making such a statement Corallo provides an indication that he himself is probably not a Christian."

That's crazy talk. Isn't baptism accepting Christ as your Savior?

[BUSHdude2000]

Newt Ping!

[The Blitherer]

That's crazy talk. Isn't baptism accepting Christ as your Savior?

No. Baptism is a public declaration of a spiritual conversion that has already taken place. However, many people have not had a personal conversion and get baptised because of family history or other reasons.

[writmeister]

Maybe if Senator Thompson traveled to Colorado Springs covered in ashes and wearing a sack cloth to kiss Dr. Dobson's ring, he would be validated as a "true" Christian.

[unkus]

Amen. No pun intended.

[HitmanLV]

Just calling it like it is.

[GovernmentIsTheProblem]

Dobson is a pustule on the rump of the GOP.

[LexBaird]

That's crazy talk. Isn't baptism accepting Christ as your Savior?

Not by itself, it isn't. It is merely the public ceremony, without the personal commitment to live the ideals. Just like a marriage ceremony for an adulterer. Conversion happens in the heart.

That said, I have no idea what Thompson's religious beliefs are.

[highlander_UW]

That's crazy talk. Isn't baptism accepting Christ as your Savior?

No, baptism is an outward symbol of dying with Christ and identifying with His rising...but if there is no inward conversion to Christ then it's a hollow symbol. As a child I was baptized but I wasn't a Christian...many people are baptized but never really accept Christ...it's more a "cultural" thing they do...but a cultural Christian is not a real Christian. Pointing to a baptism as "proof" of being a Christian missed the critical inner conversion and points to an outward confession. As I stated, Thompson may be a Christian, I don't pretend to know one way or the other...but simply being baptized does not prove it. So I don't agree that it's "crazy talk".